New York Yankees Flashback: The Voice of God

Sep 28, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) waves to the crowd after being replaced by a pinch runner during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Fans throughout New York Yankees land were devastated on July 11, 2010 with the disheartening news none of us wanted to hear. The one and only Bob Sheppard, the “Voice of God,” who had served as Yankee Stadium emcee since Mickey Mantle‘s rookie season in 1951, had passed away.

Mr. Sheppard, and all of us who loved him and craved hearing his voice so dearly, were bitterly disappointed that he was not healthy enough to appear in the old Stadium’s final season, although video messages from him during the Baseball Cathedral’s last game were a true treasure. We all hoped he would some day christen the new stadium with his voice as well, but that was not to be. It was the beginning of a very bad week in Yankee land.

When the American League beat the National League in the 2000 All Star Game on July 11, 6-3, Chicago’s James Baldwin got the win and Chipper Jones went 3-for-3 for the losers.

But Derek Jeter had three hits in as many tries too, and he won the MVP Award for that game. Less than four months later, the Yankee shortstop would collect a truly rare double honor, being named MVP of the All Star Game and the World Series in the same season.

The American League team in the All Star Classic in 1939, played this day, was dominated by Yankees, as skipper Joe McCarthy started six Pinstripers. It was the seventh All Star Game, it took place at Yankee Stadium, and the AL won, 3-1.

Aaron Robinson, Yankees catcher, returned to the lineup following service in World War II on this day in 1945, joining Red Ruffing, who had returned a bit earlier. Robinson would later be involved in two huge upgrades for the Bombers, giving way to Yogi Berra behind the plate in 1947, and bringing Eddie Lopat in a trade from the White Sox to the Yanks in February 1948.